What makes Desolation Sounds by Gallows notable?

The album received positive reviews for its exploration of darker themes and sonic experimentation, solidifying Gallows' place in the hardcore punk scene. It also debuted at number 49 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting a strong commercial performance amidst a shifting musical landscape. By the time 'Desolation Sounds' was released in 2015, Gallows had undergone significant changes since their 2006 debut. This album marked their first full-length release with vocalist Wade MacNeil after a lineup shift, highlighting a new direction while retaining their aggressive core.

Who is Desolation Sounds for?

Desolation Sounds works well if you're into aggressive bursts of raw energy, somber introspection amid chaos and short, impactful listening experience.

How many songs are on Desolation Sounds?

Desolation Sounds has 10 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Desolation Sounds

Gallows · 2015

35 min · 10 tracks · hardcore punk

Raw, relentless hardcore punk collides with melodic undertones, creating an urgent and chaotic soundscape throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Desolation Sounds — The title track encapsulates the album’s bleak aesthetic, combining visceral lyrics with a driving rhythm that exemplifies the band's evolution.
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Chains — This track showcases a blend of aggressive instrumentation and introspective lyrics, highlighting the struggle against personal and societal constraints.
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Leviathan Rot — With its heavy riffs and intense vocals, this song serves as a standout representation of the band’s hardcore roots while pushing into new thematic territories.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines raw energy with melodic undertones, showcasing strong songwriting and distinct pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tone, maintaining high energy through the first half before introducing slower, more melodic elements in the latter tracks.
Several songs feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Chains' which transitions from a chaotic verse to a more melodic chorus, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability.
The final track, 'Swan Song', closes the album with a drawn-out, atmospheric outro that contrasts sharply with the preceding intensity, allowing for a moment of reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

aggressive bursts of raw energy
somber introspection amid chaos
short, impactful listening experience
cathartic release through intensity

Maybe skip if you

seekers of gentle melodies
prefer long, drawn-out compositions

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Desolation Sounds' was released in 2015, Gallows had undergone significant changes since their 2006 debut. This album marked their first full-length release with vocalist Wade MacNeil after a lineup shift, highlighting a new direction while retaining their aggressive core.
Stylistic neighbors: Converge· The Chariot· Every Time I Die